Business Analyst

• On the job training is a big part of your learning. We can support you through our certifications and membership to help you extend your knowledge in the areas that are important to you and your development.
• Working with colleagues and other stakeholders to investigate and model business functions, business processes, information flows and data structures;
• Investigating operational issues, problems and new opportunities; seeking effective business solutions through improvements in aspects of business areas or systems of interest. Assisting in the analysis of underlying issues and their root causes, and identifying available options;
• Specifying data, data objects and information flows that align with the needs of the business;
• Producing business analysis deliverables using relevant documentation styles in line with organisational standards using appropriate tools;
• Facilitating stakeholder meetings and workshops, and presenting findings and actions both verbally and in writing to the business;
• Assisting in defining user acceptance tests for new or improved business processes and IT systems;
• Assisting in defining holistic solutions that address organisational, people, processes, information and technology aspects; justifying the solutions when supporting the development of a business case for a business change initiative.

BCS supports industry and individual best practice in Business Analysis with our certification programme. You’ll find below the core technical skills required for Business Analysis Practitioners. 

Business analysis techniques

Applying techniques which help when investigating, analysing, modelling and recording a business area or system of interest. Examples include: business environment analysis and process modelling.

Information modelling tools

Proficient in using tools (manual or automated) to record the structure, relationships and use of information within an organisation. Examples include: class diagram and relational data model.

Corporate, industry and professional standards

Familiar with applying standards, practices, codes, and assessment and certification programmes relevant to the IT industry and the specific organisation or business domain. 

Big data, data analytics and AI

Aware of the discipline associated with data sets so large and/or complex that traditional data processing applications are inadequate. The data files may include: structured, unstructured and/or semi-structured data, such as unstructured text, audio, video, etc. Challenges include: analysis, capture, curation, search, sharing, storage, transfer, manipulation, analysis, visualisation and information privacy.

Social media

Aware of Knowledge, application, implications and technical aspects of computer-mediated tools that allow people to create, share or exchange information, ideas, and pictures/videos in virtual communities and networks.

Development approach

Proficient in understanding and application of different development approaches e.g. iterative/ incremental methodologies (Agile, XP, TDD, SCRUM) or traditional sequential methodologies (Waterfall or V-Model) and their energy and resource footprints. Irrespective of development methodology, a DevOps approach may also be taken where development and operational staff work collaboratively.

Proof of concept and prototyping

Familiar with performing a proof of concept or prototyping exercise to demonstrate or evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of applying a particular technological business change in order to meet a business need.

Soft skills are a key component of your continued professional development and success as a BA. BCS offers a comprehensive suite of materials to members to support professionals in the development of their soft skills.

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Analytical thinking

A core component of a BA’s role is analytical thinking. In the early stages, you’ll gain an understanding of a problem or situation by breaking it down systematically into its component parts and identifying the relationships between those parts. You'll know the appropriate method/tool to resolve the problem and reflect critically on the result, so that what is learnt is identified and assimilated.

Written expression and emails

As part of assisting in report writing and email/or similar communication with stakeholders, you will need to be able to effectively communicate in writing. You'll be familiar with methods and techniques for writing clear, accessible and persuasive business and technical reports.

Attention to detail

An eye for detail is important for a BA practitioner, as you will be tasked with applying specific quality standards to tasks undertaken to ensure that deliverables are accurate and complete.

Verbal expression

You will be a competent communicator, happy to engage stakeholders and clearly express objectives of a project or activity. This would extend to understanding methods and techniques for delivering effective and accessible presentation in various mediums including online and face-to-face.

Stakeholder engagement/ analysis

You will be aware of establishing relationships, analysing perspectives and managing stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, as well as adapting stakeholder engagement styles to meet the needs of different audiences. You'll be able to identify key business stakeholders and assess their levels of power and interest and their perspectives to inform the way(s) in which they should be considered and managed.

Practitioner level learning

You’ve gained a foundational level knowledge and you’d like to move on to demonstrate specialist practical skills. You can accumulate modules to gain the
BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis and join the RITTEch national register too. 

BCS Practitioner Certificate in Business Analysis Practice
This certificate is designed for people who are already in a business analysis role and want to gain a deeper understanding of business analysis strategy and application.

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RITTech
Demonstrate to employers your professional competence by joining the UK register of IT Technicians.

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BCS Membership MBCS
As a Professional member of BCS, you’ll become part of a large professional community in the UK and beyond. You’ll get access to career support tools, latest BA industry news and exclusive BCS research.

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